Hardened optical power connection system

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a hardened power and optical connection system for use with hybrid cables. The hardened power and optical connection system includes electrical pin and socket contacts for providing power connections, and ferrules for providing optical connections. The hardened power and optical connection system has an integrated fiber alignment provided through a mating relationship between a plug and a socket.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/773,548, filed on Jan. 27, 2020, which is a Continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/886,266, filed on Feb. 1, 2018, now U.S.Pat. No. 10,585,246, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/115,931 filed on Aug. 2, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,927,580,which is a National Stage of PCT/US2015/014977, filed on Feb. 9, 2015,which claims benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/937,291filed on Feb. 7, 2014, and which applications are incorporated herein byreference. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made toeach of the above disclosed applications.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to hybrid optical fiber andelectrical communication systems.

Rapid growth of portable high-speed wireless transceiver devices (e.g.,smart phones, tablets, laptop computers, etc.) continues in today'smarket, thereby creating higher demand for untethered contact. Thus,there is growing demand for integrated voice, data and video capable ofbeing transmitted wirelessly at data rates of 10 Gbits/second andfaster. To provide the bandwidth needed to support this demand willrequire the cost effective and efficient deployment of additional fixedlocation transceivers (i.e., cell sites or nodes) for generating bothlarge and small wireless coverage areas.

Fiber optic technology is becoming more prevalent as service providersstrive to deliver higher bandwidth communication capabilities tocustomers/subscribers. The phrase “fiber to the x” (FTTX) genericallyrefers to any network architecture that uses optical fiber in place ofcopper within a local distribution area. Example FTTX networks includefiber-to-the-node (FTTN) networks, fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC) networks,fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), and more generally, fiber-to-the-wireless(FTTW).

The high signal speeds associated with fiber optic technology havedriven the demand to use fiber optic technology to support wirelessnetworks. However, wireless networks typically require power for drivingcomponents such as transceivers. This can present problems in fiberoptic networks, which are often passive. In this regard, there is a needfor improved hybrid systems that can efficiently distribute fiber opticsignals and power to components of a wireless network.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to connectors and connectorsystems capable of providing optical and power connections in atelecommunications network such as a fiber optic network. In certainexamples, the connectors and connector systems can be hardened (e.g.,sealed and ruggedized) for use in outdoor environmental applications. Incertain examples, the connectors and connector systems can be used toprovide efficient power and fiber connections in a mobile networktopology. In certain examples, the connectors and connector systems canbe used with cables having central sections containing optical fibersand strippable outer sections including electrical power conductors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing an example distribution of wirelesscoverage areas deployed using a power and optical fiber interface systemin accordance with principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a power/optical fiberhybrid cable in accordance with principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the hybrid cable of FIG. 2with electrically conductive portions of the cable showing separatedfrom a central optical fiber portion of the cable.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the hybrid cable of FIGS. 2 and 3 with theelectrically conductive portions of the hybrid cable trimmed relative tothe central fiber optic portion of the hybrid cable.

FIG. 5 is a transverse cross-sectional view of another power/opticalfiber hybrid cable in accordance with principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 shows an example topography for transmitting power and opticalsignals between a BTS and an arrangement of remote radio heads.

FIG. 7 shows an example configuration for providing power and opticalsignals from a BTS to remote radio heads.

FIG. 8 shows a remote radio head with separate ruggedized power andoptical connectors.

FIG. 9 shows a remote radio head with a ruggedized connection providingboth power and optical signals.

FIG. 10 shows a remote radio head with a boot that transitions power andoptical signals into the remote radio head.

FIG. 11 shows another configuration for transmitting power and opticalsignals between a BTS and a remote radio head.

FIG. 12 shows still another configuration for transmitting power andoptical signals between a BTS and a remote radio head.

FIG. 13 shows a further configuration for transmitting power and opticalsignals between a BTS and a remote radio head.

FIG. 14 shows a further configuration for transmitting power and opticalsignals between a BTS and a remote radio head.

FIG. 15 shows an example hybrid plug in accordance with the principlesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the hybrid plug of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of internal components of the hybrid plugof FIGS. 15 and 16.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a hybrid socket in accordance withthe principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of inner components of the hybrid socketof FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 shows the hybrid plug of FIG. 16 coupled to the hybrid socket ofFIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the hybrid plug of FIG. 16pulled to hybrid socket of FIG. 18.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a further view showing the hybrid plug of FIG. 16 coupled tothe hybrid socket of FIG. 18.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an optical terminal in accordance withthe principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an electrical pin contact that can beused in connectors in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an electrical socket contact that canbe used in connectors in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 27 illustrates an example of a jumper configuration for connectinga hybrid connector to an SFP and power supply of a remote radio head.

FIG. 28 illustrates another connector arrangement in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional viewof the connector arrangement of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 illustrates an example hybrid plug of the connector arrangementof FIG. 28.

FIG. 31 illustrates an example hybrid socket of the connectorarrangement of FIG. 28.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shownby way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention maybe practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as top,bottom, front, back, etc., is used with reference to the orientation ofthe Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments can bepositioned in a number of different orientations, the directionalterminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no waylimiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilizedand structural or logical changes may be made without departing from thescope of the present invention. The following detailed description,therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

FIG. 1 shows a system 10 in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure for enhancing the coverage areas provided by cellulartechnologies (e.g., GSM, CDMA, UMTS, LTE, WiMax, WiFi, etc.). The system10 includes a base location 11 (i.e., a hub) and a plurality of wirelesscoverage area defining equipment 12 a, 12 b, 12 c, 12 d, 12 e and 12 f(sometimes collectively referred to as equipment 12 herein) distributedabout the base location 11. In certain examples, the base location 11can include a structure 14 (e.g., a closet, hut, building, housing,enclosure, cabinet, etc.) protecting telecommunications equipment suchas racks, fiber optic adapter panels, passive optical splitters,wavelength division multiplexers, fiber splice locations, optical fiberpatching and/or fiber interconnect structures and other active and/orpassive equipment. In the depicted example, the base location 11 isconnected to a central office 16 or other remote location by a fiberoptic cable such as a multi-fiber optical trunk cable 18 that provideshigh band-width two-way optical communication between the base location11 and the central office 16 or other remote location. In the depictedexample, the base location 11 is connected to the wireless coverage areadefining equipment 12 a, 12 b, 12 c, 12 d, 12 e and 12 f by hybridcables 20. The hybrid cables 20 are each capable of transmitting bothpower and communications between the base location 11 and the wirelesscoverage area defining equipment 12 a, 12 b, 12 c, 12 d, 12 e and 12 f.

The wireless coverage area defining equipment 12 a, 12 b, 12 c, 12 d, 12e and 12 f can each include one or more wireless transceivers 22. Thetransceivers 22 can include single transceivers 22 or distributed arraysof transceivers 22. As used herein, a “wireless transceiver” is a deviceor arrangement of devices capable of transmitting and receiving wirelesssignals. A wireless transceiver typically includes an antenna forenhancing receiving and transmitting the wireless signals. Wirelesscoverage areas are defined around each of the wireless coverage areadefining equipment 12 a, 12 b, 12 c, 12 d, 12 e and 12 f Wirelesscoverage areas can also be referred to as cells, cellular coverageareas, wireless coverage zones, or like terms. Examples of and/oralternative terms for wireless transceivers include radio-heads,wireless routers, cell sites, wireless nodes, etc.

In the depicted example of FIG. 1, the base location 11 is shown as abase transceiver station (BTS) located adjacent to a radio tower 24supporting and elevating a plurality the wireless coverage area definingequipment 12 a. In one example, the equipment 12 a can define wirelesscoverage areas such as a macrocells or microcells (i.e., cells eachhaving a coverage area less than or equal to about 2 kilometers wide).The wireless coverage area defining equipment 12 b is shown deployed ata suburban environment (e.g., on a light pole in a residentialneighborhood) and the equipment 12 c is shown deployed at a roadsidearea (e.g., on a roadside power pole). The equipment 12 c could also beinstalled at other locations such as tunnels, canyons, coastal areas,etc. In one example, the equipment 12 b, 12 c can define wirelesscoverage areas such as microcells or picocells (i.e., cells each havinga coverage area equal to or less than about 200 meters wide). Theequipment 12 d is shown deployed at a campus location (e.g., auniversity or corporate campus), the equipment 12 e is shown deployed ata large public venue location (e.g., a stadium), and the equipment 12 fis shown installed at an in-building or near-building environment (e.g.,multi-dwelling unit, high rise, school, etc.). In one example, theequipment 12 d, 12 e, and 12 f can define wireless coverage areas suchas microcells, picocells, or femtocells (i.e., cells each having acoverage area equal to or less than about 10 meters wide).

The wireless coverage area defining equipment 12 are often located inareas without power outlets conveniently located. As noted above, thehybrid cable 20 provides both power and data to the equipment 12. FIG. 2is a transverse cross-sectional view taken through an example of one ofthe hybrid cables 20 of FIG. 1. Hybrid cable 20 includes an outer jacket200 having a transverse cross-sectional profile that defines a majoraxis 202 and a minor axis 204. The outer jacket has a height H measuredalong the minor axis 204 and a width W measured along the major axis202. The width W is greater than the height H such that the transversecross-sectional profile of the outer jacket 200 is elongated along themajor axis 202.

The outer jacket 200 can include a left portion 206, a right portion 208and a central portion 210. The left portion 206, the right portion 208and the central portion 210 can be positioned along the major axis 202with the central portion 210 being disposed between the left portion 206and the right portion 208. The left portion 206 can define a leftpassage 212, the right portion 208 can define a right passage 214 andthe central portion 210 can define a central passage 216. The passages212, 214 and 216 can have lengths that extend along a centrallongitudinal axis 218 of the cable 20 for the length of the cable. Aleft electrical conductor 220 is shown positioned within the leftpassage 212, a right electrical conductor 222 is shown positioned withinthe right passage 214 and at least one optical fiber 224 is shownpositioned within the central passage 216. Certain embodiments includefrom 1 to 12 fibers 224, for example. The left electrical conductor 220,the right electrical conductor 222 and the optical fiber 224 havelengths that extend along the central longitudinal axis 218 of the cable20.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the hybrid cable 20 includes a leftpre-defined tear location 226 positioned between the central portion 210and the left portion 206 of the outer jacket 200, and a rightpre-defined tear location 228 positioned between the central portion 210and the right portion 208 of the outer jacket 200. The left pre-definedtear location 226 is weakened such that the left portion 206 of theouter jacket 200 can be manually torn from the central portion 210 ofthe outer jacket 200. Similarly, the right pre-defined tear location 228is weakened such that the right portion 208 of the outer jacket 200 canbe manually torn from the central portion 210 of the outer jacket 200.The left pre-defined tear location 226 is configured such that the leftportion 206 of the outer jacket 200 fully surrounds the left passage 212and the central portion 210 of the outer jacket 200 fully surrounds thecentral passage 216 after the left portion 206 of the outer jacket 200has been torn from the central portion 210 of the outer jacket 200. Inthis way, the left electrical conductor 220 remains fully insulated andthe optical fiber 220 remains fully protected after the left portion 206has been torn from the central portion 210. The right pre-defined tearlocation 228 is configured such that the right portion 208 of the outerjacket 200 fully surrounds the right passage 214 and the central portion210 of the outer jacket 200 fully surrounds the central passage 219after the right portion 208 of the outer jacket 200 has been torn fromthe central portion 210 of the outer jacket 200. In this way, the rightelectrical conductor 222 remains fully insulated and the optical fiber224 remains fully protected after the right portion 208 has been tornfrom the central portion 210.

FIG. 3 shows the hybrid cable 20 with both the left portion 206 and theright portion 208 torn away from the central portion 210. In thisconfiguration, both the left electrical conductor 220 and the rightelectrical conductor 222 are fully insulated by their corresponding leftand right portions 206, 208. Additionally, the central portion 210 has arectangular transverse cross-sectional shape that fully surrounds thecentral passage 216 so as to protect the optical fiber or fibers 224.

It will be appreciated that the left and right electrical conductors220, 222 have a construction suitable for carrying electricity. It willbe appreciated that the electrical conductors can have a solid orstranded construction. Example sizes of the electrical conductorsinclude 12 gauge, 16 gauge, or other sizes.

The outer jacket 200 is preferably constructed of a polymeric material.In one example, the hybrid cable 20 and the outer jacket 200 are plenumrated. In certain examples, the outer jacket 200 can be manufactured ofa fire-retardant plastic material. In certain examples, the outer jacket200 can be manufactured of a low smoke zero halogen material. Examplematerials for the outer jacket include polyvinyl chloride (PVC),fluorinated ethylene polymer (FEP), polyolefin formulations including,for example, polyethylene, and other materials.

The central passage 216 can contain one or more optical fibers 224. Incertain examples, the optical fibers 224 can be coated optical fibershaving cores less than 12 microns in diameter, cladding layers less than240 microns in diameter, and coating layers less than 300 microns indiameter. It will be appreciated that the core and cladding layerstypically include a silica based material. In certain examples, thecladding layer can have an index of a refraction that is less than theindex of refraction of the core to allow optical signals that aretransmitted through the optical fibers to be confined generally to thecore. It will be appreciated that in certain examples, multiple claddinglayers can be provided. In certain examples, optical fibers can includebend insensitive optical fibers having multiple cladding layersseparated by trench layers. In certain examples, protective coatings(e.g., a polymeric material such as actelate) can form coating layersaround the cladding layers. In certain examples, the coating layers canhave diameters less than 300 microns, or less than 260 microns, or inthe range of 240 to 260 microns. In certain examples, the optical fibers224 can be unbuffered. In other examples, the optical fibers can includea tight buffer layer, a loose buffer layer, or a semi-tight bufferlayer. In certain examples, the buffer layers can have an outer diameterof about 800 to 1,000 microns. The optical fibers can include singlemode optical fibers, multi-mode optical fibers, bend insensitive fibersor other fibers. In still other embodiments, the optical fibers 224 canbe ribbonized.

As shown at FIG. 4, the left and right portions 206, 208 can be trimmedrelative to the central portion 210 after the left and right portions206, 204 have been torn away from the central portion 210. In thisconfiguration, the central portion 210 extends distally beyond the endsof the left and right portions 206, 208. In certain examples, insulationdisplacement connectors can be used to pierce through the jacketmaterials of the left and right portions 206, 208 to electricallyconnect the left and right electrical connectors 220, 222 to anelectrical power source, ground, active components or other structures.It will be appreciated that the optical fibers 224 can be connected toother fibers with mechanical or fusion splices, or directly terminatedwith optical connectors. In other examples, connectorized pigtails canbe spliced to the ends of the optical fibers 224.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the outer jacket 200 includes a top side 230and a bottom side 232 separated by the height H. As depicted, the topand bottom sides 230, 232 are generally parallel to one another. Each ofthe left and right pre-defined tear locations 226, 228 includes an upperslit 234 that extends downwardly from the top side 230, a lower slit 236that extends upwardly from the bottom side 232 and a non-slitted portion238 positioned between the upper and lower slits 234, 236. In oneexample embodiment, the upper and lower slits 234, 236 are partiallyre-closed slits. In the depicted embodiment, the left and rightpre-defined tear locations 226, 228 also include jacket weakeningmembers 240 that are imbedded in the non-slitted portions 238. By way ofexample, the jacket weakening members 240 can include strands,monofilaments, threads, filaments or other members. In certain examples,the jacket weakening members 240 extend along the central longitudinalaxis 218 of the cable 20 for the length of the cable 20. In certainexamples, the jacket weakening members 240 are aligned along the majoraxis 202. In certain examples, the upper and lower slits 230, 236 aswell as the jacket weakening member 240 of the left pre-defined tearlocation 226 are aligned along a left tearing plane PL that is orientedgenerally perpendicular relative to the major axis 202. Similarly, theupper and lower slits 234, 236 as well as the jacket weakening member240 of the right pre-defined tear location 228 are aligned along a righttearing plane PR that is oriented generally perpendicular with respectto the major axis 202.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the hybrid cable 20 can include a tensilestrength structure 242 that provides tensile enforcement to the hybridcable 20 so as to prevent tensile loads from being applied to theoptical fibers 224. In certain embodiments, the tensile strengthstructure 242 can include reinforcing structures such as Aramid yarns orother reinforcing fibers. In still other embodiments, the tensilestrength structure 242 can have an oriented polymeric construction. Instill other examples, a tensile strength structure 242 can include areinforcing tape. In certain examples, the reinforcing tape can bebonded to the outer jacket 200 so as to line the central passage 216. Incertain examples, no central buffer tube is provided between the opticalfibers 224 and the tensile reinforcing structure 242. In certainexamples, the tensile strength structure 242 can include a reinforcingtape that extends along the length of the hybrid cable 20 and haslongitudinal edges/ends 244 that are separated so as to define a gap 244therein between. In use, the tensile strength member 242 can be anchoredto a structure such as a fiber optic connector, housing or otherstructure so as to limit the transfer of tensile load to the opticalfibers 224. It will be appreciated that the tensile strength structure242 can be anchored by techniques such as crimping, adhesives,fasteners, bands or other structures.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative hybrid cable 20′ having the sameconstruction as the hybrid cable 20 except two tensile strengthstructures 242A, 242B have been provided within the central passage 216.Tensile strength members 242A, 242B each include a tensile reinforcingtape that is bonded to the central portion 210 of the outer jacket 200.The tensile strength members 242A, 242B can include portions thatcircumferentially overlap one another within the central passage 216. Incertain examples, by stripping away an end portion of the centralportion 210, the tensile strength structures 242A, 242B can be exposedand readily secured to a structure such as a fiber optic connector, apanel, a housing or other structure.

As noted above, the electrical conductors 220, 222 could be 12 gauge(AWG) or 16 gauge, for example. In certain examples, a 12 gaugeconductor 220, 220 provides up to 1175 meter reach at 15 W, and a 750meter reach for 25 W devices. The 16 gauge implementations can providereduced cost for shorter reach applications or lower power devices, forexample.

Providing power to remote active devices such as the wireless coveragearea defining equipment 12 is often difficult and expensive. Providingrequired power protection and backup power further complicates poweringsuch remote devices. Optical

Network Terminals (ONT's) and Small Cell devices (such as picocells andmetrocells) have “similar” power requirements. For example, 25 W, 12 VDCor 48 VDC devices are common, although variations occur.

FIG. 6 shows an example mobile network topology 300 for transmittingoptical signals and power between a base transceiver station 301 and aplurality of remote radio heads 302 a-302 i (i.e., remote transceivers).It will be appreciated that the hybrid cable 20 can be incorporatedthroughout the network topology 300 for transmitting both opticalsignals and power between the base transceiver station 301 and theremote radio heads 302 a-302 i. For example, the remote radio heads 302a, 302 b are shown connected point-to-point with the base transceiverstation 301. In such examples, the hybrid cables 20 routed between thebase transceiver station 301 and the radio heads 302 a, 302 b can eachinclude two optical fibers. The radio head 302 c is shown coupled to theradio head 302 b in a daisy-chain type configuration by another 2-fiberhybrid cable 20. The radio heads 302 d-302 i are shown integrated withthe base transceiver station 301 through a distributed networkconfiguration. The distributed network configuration includes adistribution box 304 coupled to the base transceiver station 301 by amulti-fiber (e.g., a 12 fiber) version of the hybrid cable 20. At thedistribution box 304, the optical fibers of the multi-fiber fiber hybridcable 20 are separated (e.g., fanned-out or otherwise segregated orbroken out into pairs) and the power is split. Two fiber versions of thehybrid cable 20 are used to distribute power and optical connectivityfrom the distribution box 304 to the various remote radio heads 302d-302 i.

FIG. 7 shows an example configuration 308 for providing power and fiberoptics to one of the remote radio heads 302 from the base transceiverstation 301. In this example, the hybrid cable 20 is routed from thebase transceiver station 301 to a universal interface 310. The universalinterface 310 can provide power management, surge suppression, mediaconversion and can also separate the fiber optics from the power. In oneexample, the universal interface 310 can have a configuration of thetype disclosed in U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/846,392,filed Jul. 15, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety. One of the hybrid cables 20 can be used to provide power andoptical signals from the base transceiver station 301 to the universalinterface 310. At the universal interface 310, the optical signals canbe routed to a two-fiber optical output line 312 and the power can berouted to a power output line 314. The optical line 312 can be coupledto a small form-factor pluggable transceiver 316 of the remote radiohead and the power line 314 can be coupled to a power supply 318 of theradio head. In certain examples, the lines 312, 314 can include sealedinterfaces at the housing of the remote radio head and can includeconnectors such as edge mounted connectors corresponding to the powersupply and the small form-factor pluggable transceiver (see FIG. 8). Inother examples, the interconnection between the remote radio head 302and the universal interface 310 can be made with a single line hybridthat carries both fiber optic signals and power to the remote radiohead. For example, FIG. 9 shows a version having a panel-mount sealedconnector 317 with feed through lines routed to the small form-factorpluggable transceiver 316 and the power supply 318. FIG. 10 shows aversion where a panel mounted sealed boot 319 protects an interfacebetween the hybrid cable and the housing of the remote radio head 302.The fiber optics and power are fed through the boot and connected to thesmall form-factor pluggable transceiver 316 and the power supply 318.

FIG. 11 shows another connectivity design where the universal interface310 has been eliminated because power management, surge suppression andmedia conversion are provided in the equipment (e.g., in the remoteradio head and/or in the base transceiver station). As shown at FIG. 11,the hybrid cable 20 is bifurcated into a separate optical branch 320 anda power branch 322 which are coupled to the small form-factor pluggabletransceiver and the power supply of the remote radio head 302.

FIG. 12 shows another connectivity design 330 for conveying power andfiber optic signals between the transceiver station 301 and a remoteradio head 302. The connectivity design 330 includes an intermediatehardened optical power connection system 332. The hardened optical andpower connection system 332 includes a hardened optical and power plug334 that interfaces with a hardened optical and power socket 336. Anintermediate fixture 338 can be used to assist in providing a morerobust mechanical connection between the plug 334 and the socket 336.The plug 334 is mounted at the end of a hybrid cable 20 routed from thebase transceiver station 301. The socket 336 is coupled to a hybridcable 20 that is part of a harness or cable assembly having an opticalbranch 340 coupled to the small form-factor pluggable transceiver of theradio head and a power branch 342 coupled to the power supply of theremote radio head 302.

FIG. 13 shows a connectivity design 350 where the hardened optical andpower connection system 332 is used to provide an interface directlywith the remote radio head 302. One of the hybrid cables 20 is routedfrom the base transceiver station 301 to the hardened optical power andconnection system 332. In certain examples, the hardened optical powerconnection system 332 connected to the remote radio head 302 can includethe plug 334 or the socket 336 of the hardened optical and powerconnection system 332. In other examples, both the plug 334 and thesocket 336 can be provided.

FIG. 14 shows a further connectivity design 360 that is similar to thedesign 308. The design 360 has been modified to include the hardenedoptical and power connection system 332 at the universal interface 310.In this way, the hybrid cable 20 routed from the base transceiverstation 301 to the universal interface 310 can be plugged into theuniversal interface 310 using a plug-and-play configuration. In thisway, power and optics can be interconnected to the universal interface310 with a single plug-and-play style connector. This type ofconfiguration eliminates the need to open the universal interface boxfor fiber management and for splicing. It will be appreciated that theoutputs from the universal interface 310 can be provided with a varietyof different connector styles or combinations of interfaces toaccommodate remote radio units having different connector styles. Inthis way, backward compatibility is enhanced. It will be appreciatedthat the outputs from the universal interface can include separateoptical and power branches or a combined optical and power line formedby a hybrid cable.

Referring to FIGS. 15-17, the plug 334 of the hardened optical and powerconnection system 332 is depicted. The plug 334 includes a plug body 336including a plug housing 338 coupled to a rear body 340. In one example,the plug housing 338 and the rear body 340 are coupled together by asnap-fit connection. In certain examples, the plug housing 338 and therear body 340 are made of a dielectric material such as plastic.

In the depicted example, the plug housing 338 includes a main body 342having a generally angular transverse cross-sectional profile. It willbe appreciated that the rear body 340 also has a generally rectangulartransverse cross-sectional profile that matches the transversecross-sectional profile of the main body 342 of the plug housing 338.The plug housing 338 also includes first and second sleeves 344, 352that project forwardly from the main body 342. The first sleeve 344 andthe second sleeve 352 each have a unitary construction with the mainbody. The first sleeves 344 receive pin contacts 350 (see FIG. 25). Theplug housing 338 also includes second sleeves 352 that receive opticalterminals 354 (see FIG. 24). During assembly, the pin contacts 350 areloaded into the first sleeves 344 through the back end of the plughousing 338. Similarly, the optical terminals 354 are loaded into thesecond sleeves 352 through the back side of the plug housing 338. Oncethe pin contacts 350 and the optical terminals 354 have been loaded intotheir corresponding sleeves 344, 352, the rear body 340 is coupled tothe back side of the plug housing 338 thereby capturing and retainingthe optical terminals 354 and the pin contacts 350 within the plug body336.

Referring to FIG. 25, contact pins 350 include first ends 358 positionedopposite from second ends 360. The first ends 358 define pins 362. Thesecond ends 360 define structure for electrically and mechanicallycoupling the pin contacts 350 to the electrical conductors 220, 222 ofthe hybrid cable 20. To couple the electrical conductors 220, 222 to thepin contacts 350, the left and right portions 206, 208 of the hybridcable 20 are separated from the central portion 210. End segments of theinsulation surrounding the separated electrical conductors 220, 222 arethen stripped thereby exposing the electrical conductors 220, 222. Theexposed portions of the electrical conductors 220, 222 can be insertedinto receptacles 364 (i.e., openings, passages, etc.) of the pincontacts 350 thereby making electrical contact with the pins 362.Retainers 366 of the pin contacts 350 can be clamped, crimped orotherwise pressed into engagement with the conductors thereby providinga mechanical connection between the electrical conductors 220, 222 andthe corresponding pin contacts 350. Additionally, retaining elements 368can be clamped against the insulation portions 206, 208 surrounding theelectrical connectors 220, 222.

As shown at FIG. 16, when the pin contacts 350 are installed within theplug 334, the first ends 358 are positioned within the first sleeves 344and the second ends 360 are positioned within the rear body 340. Therear body 340 has enlarged openings for accommodating the second ends360 of the pin contacts 350. The first sleeves 349 can be internallytapered so as to provide a friction fit with intermediate regions of thepin contacts 350 thereby limiting the range of forward movementpermitted by the pin contacts 350 within the first sleeves 344. Endfaces 368 of the rear body 340 can oppose or abut against shoulders 370defined by the intermediate regions of the pin contacts 350 therebyeffectively retaining the contact pins 350 within the first sleeves 344.

Referring to FIG. 24, the optical terminals 354 include ferrules 372having base ends supported at hubs 374. In certain examples, ferrules372 can be constructed of a relatively hard material such as ceramic ormetal. In certain examples, the ferrules 372 can have polished endfaces. It will be appreciated that the end faces of the ferrules 372 canbe angled or perpendicular relative to central axes of the ferrules. Theferrules 372 defined central passages that extend along the centralaxes. The passages are adapted for receiving optical fibers that can besecured (e.g., bonded, potted, etc.) within the central passages. Thehubs 374 are captured within insert bodies 376. In the depicted example,the insert bodies 376 are generally cylindrical sleeves, but othershapes could be used as well. In certain examples, the insert bodies 376can include one or more exterior annular grooves 378. The hubs 374 canhave chamfered front ends that engage against corresponding retainingfeatures provided at front ends of the insert bodies 376 to prevent thehubs 374 from being pushed out of the front ends of the insert bodies.Springs 380 are positioned within the insert bodies 376 for biasing thehubs 374 and the corresponding ferrules 372 in a forward direction. Inthis way, the chamfered end of the hub 372 is biased against theretaining features of the insert bodies 376.

It will be appreciated that the ferrule and hub assemblies as well asthe springs 380 can be loaded into the insert bodies 376. Thereafter,spring stops can be used to capture the springs 380 and the hubsassembly within the insert body 376 and to compress the spring 380within the insert body 376. As depicted, the insert body can includefront and rear portions that are coupled together to capture the springand the hub within the insert body 376.

In certain examples, the ferrules 372 support optical fibers 373 havingstub ends 382 that can be spliced or otherwise optically connected tothe optical fibers of the hybrid cable 20. In certain examples, thesplice location 375 can be housed within the insert body 376 or outsidethe insert body 376 (as shown at FIG. 16). It will be appreciated thatthe optical terminals 354 can be loaded into their corresponding secondsleeves 352 by inserting the optical terminals 354 into the secondsleeves 352 through the back side of the plug housing 338. Once theoptical terminals 354 and the pin contact 350 have been loaded withinthe plug housing 338, the rear body 340 can be attached to the back endof the plug housing 338 to capture the optical terminals 354 and thecontact pins 350 within the plug body 336. In certain examples, a boot390 or other structure can be mounted at the back ends of the insertbodies 376 to protect and guide optical fibers as the optical fibers arerouted out of the rear body 340. Additionally, as shown at FIG. 17, astrain relief member 391 (e.g., plastic boot or shell) can be mountedover the back end of the rear body 342 to assist in transitioning theelectrical conductors as well as the optical fibers from the plug 334 tothe cable.

It will be appreciated the plug 334 can also be provided with structurefor providing environmental sealing as well as the ability toaccommodate enhanced pull-back loads and side loads. For example, theplug body 336 can be mounted within a protective enclosure 400 includingan outer body 402 and an inner body 404. The outer body 402 can includea sleeve having a coupling structure (e.g., threads, a bayonetinterface, a snap-fit interface or other type of interface) adapted toprovide a mechanical coupling with the fixture 338. The outer body 402can also provide sealing relative to the fixture 338 as well as sealingagainst the jacket of the cable 20. In certain examples, the tensilestrength structure 242 of the cable 20 can be secured (e.g., adhesivelybonded to, crimped against, or otherwise attached) to either the innerbody 404 or the outer body 402. Further description of the enclosure 400can be found at U.S. Pat. No. 8,556,520 which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. In certain examples, the outer body 402 canhave a ramp 403 or other type of structure adjacent its rear end thatcompresses a seal about the jacket of the cable 20 thereby providingeffective sealing at the back end of the enclosure 400. The inner body404 can be configured for supporting and/or housing the plug body 336.In certain examples, seals can be provided on or around the inner body404 for providing sealing with the fixture 338. In certain examples, astrain relief boot or other structure can be mounted to the rear end ofthe outer body 402 to provide strain relief protection at the junctionbetween the outer body 402 and the cable 20.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the socket 336 is adapted to mate with theplug 334 and can be protected within an enclosure 400 of the same typedescribed with respect to the plug 334. The socket 336 includes a socketbody 410 including a socket housing 412 and a rear body 414. The sockethousing 412 and the rear body 414 can be coupled together by amechanical interface such as a snap-fit connection or other type ofconnection. The socket housing 410 includes a front end defining firstreceptacles 416 for receiving the first sleeves 344 of the plug 334 andsecond receptacles 418 for receiving the second sleeves 352 of the plug334. The front end of the socket housing 412 has a generally rectangulartransverse cross-sectional profile. The first receptacles 416 receivesocket contacts 420 (see FIG. 26). The socket contacts 420 include firstends 422 and opposite second ends 424. The first ends 422 of the socketcontacts 420 define electrical sockets 426 that receive the pins 362 ofthe plug 34 when the plug 334 and the socket 336 are mated together.Similar to the pin contacts 350, the socket contacts 420 have passagesfor receiving the electrical conductors of the hybrid cable 20 and oneor more clamps, retainers, fasteners or other structures for effectivelymechanically and electrically connecting the socket contacts 420 to theelectrical conductors of the cable 20. In certain examples, the socketcontacts 420 can also include structure for mechanically affixing thesocket contacts 420 relative to the insulation surrounding theelectrical conductors 220, 222.

The second receptacles 418 of the socket housing 412 are configured toreceive optical terminals 354 of the same type previously described withrespect to the plug 334. The optical terminals 354 are captured withinthe plug body 410 between the socket housing 412 and the rear body 414.As so positioned, the ferrules 372 of the optical terminals 354 arepositioned within the second receptacles 418 with end faces of theferrules facing in a forward direction.

FIGS. 20-22 show the plug 334 and the socket 336 mated together. It willbe appreciated that latches or other structures can be provided formechanically interlocking the plug 334 and the socket 336. When the plug334 and the socket 336 are mated together, the first sleeves 344 of theplug 334 fit within the first receptacles 416 of the socket 336.Additionally, second sleeves 352 of the plug 334 fit within the secondreceptacle 418 of the socket 336. As so mated, the pins 362 of the plug334 fit within the electrical sockets 426 of the socket 336 such that anelectrical connection is made between the pin contacts 350 and thesocket contacts 420. Additionally, the end faces of the ferrules 372 ofthe plug 334 are spring biased against the end faces of the ferrules 372of the socket 336. The ferrules 372 of the socket 336 fit within thesecond sleeves 352 such that the second sleeves 352 function toco-axially align the ferrules 372 of the plug 334 and the socket 336. Inthis way, the optical fibers held within the ferrules 372 of the plug334 and the socket 336 are coaxially aligned such that optical signalscan be readily transferred between the optical terminals 354 of the plug334 and the optical terminals 354 of the socket 336.

In certain examples, the fixture 338 can be incorporated into a plate orincorporated into a housing (e.g., the housing of a remote radio head)or otherwise attached to a housing. In certain examples, the sealingenclosure 400 may only be provided on one side of the hardened opticaland power connector system 332 and the other side of an optical powerand connection system 332 can be positioned within a housing such as thehousing of a remote radio head. FIG. 27 shows an example of this type ofconfiguration where one side of the hardened optical and powerconnection system 332 is enclosed within the protective enclosure 400while the opposite side is positioned inside the housing of a remoteradio head. In this depicted example, a harness or jumper can be coupledto the plug connector and/or socket connector positioned within thehousing of the telecommunications component. The jumper can include aninterface end that interfaces optically and electrically with the plugor socket and jumper ends that interface with the power supply and thesmall for-factor pluggable transceiver (SFP) of the remote radio head.

In certain examples, the optical terminal includes a self-containedoptical connection unit that can be incorporated into connectors ofvarious styles and shapes to convert the connectors to opticalconnectors. In certain examples, an optical terminal includes an inserthousing adapted to be inserted within a receptacle of a correspondingconnector. The insert housing at least partially houses a ferruleassembly including a ferrule and a hub. In certain examples, the hub iscaptured within the insert housing and the ferrule exits outwardly fromone end of the insert housing. In certain examples, a spring can beloaded within the insert housing and used to press the ferrule assemblyagainst a shoulder or other retention structure provided within theinsert housing. In certain examples, the optical terminal is a module orunit that provides spring biasing of a ferrule assembly. In certainexamples, a separate structure is not needed within the connector toprovide spring biasing of the ferrule assembly. Instead, the inserthousing, the spring and the ferrule assembly can all be loaded as a unitinto the fiber optic connector. In certain examples, the ferrule of theferrule assembly supports an optical fiber that is potted or otherwisebonded within a central fiber passage of the ferrule. In certainexamples, optical fiber can have a stub end that extends at leastpartially through the insert housing. In certain examples, the stub canbe optically spliced to an optical fiber of a corresponding cable. Incertain examples, the optical splice location can be provided within theinsert housing. In certain examples, the insert housing can includegrooves, slots, notches, or other structures that facilitate anchoringor otherwise retaining the insert sleeve within a connector body. Incertain examples, the spring is pre-biased prior to loading the ferruleassembly and the spring into a corresponding connector. In certainexamples, the insert body can have a configuration that allows theoptical terminal to be used in many different types of connectors. Incertain examples, the optical terminal is a separate module that can bepre-assembled and then loaded into a fiber optic connector.

Certain aspects of the present disclosure also relate to an opticalterminal having a spring loaded ferrule assembly that is preassembledprior to installation within a connector and that is loaded into theconnector as a unit. In certain examples, the spring biased ferruleassembly includes a ferrule supported by a hub. The hub can be mountedwithin an insert body. As depicted in the drawings disclosed herein, theinsert body has a generally cylindrical shape. In other examples, othertypes of shapes having different transverse cross-sectional profiles(e.g., rectangular, square, oblong, etc.) can be used. The insert bodycan function as a housing for the ferrule hub as well as a spring. Aspring stop can be incorporated into the insert body, loaded into theinsert body, attached with the insert body or otherwise coupled to theinsert body for capturing the spring and the ferrule hub within theinsert body. In certain examples, the optical terminal can be terminatedto the optical fiber of a fiber optic cable prior to loading the opticalterminal into a connector. For example, the optical terminal can bedirectly terminated on the optical fiber of a fiber optic cable bysecuring the optical fiber within the ferrule, polishing and otherwisetreating the end face of the ferrule and the optical fiber securedtherein, loading the ferrule and the ferrule hub into the insert body,loading the spring into the insert body, and then installing a springretainer. In certain examples, the spring can be inserted over the fiberbefore terminating the fiber to the ferrule. In other examples, anoptical fiber can be pre-installed within the ferrule and pre-polishedwith a stub extending outwardly from the back end of the ferrule. Insuch an example, the stub can be spliced to the optical fiber of a fiberoptic cable and then the ferrule assembly can be loaded into the insertbody of the optical terminal. Once again, the spring can be placed overthe fiber of the cable prior to splicing. Therefore, after inserting theterminated ferrule assembly into the insert body, the spring can besubsequently loaded into the insert body and then retained in place witha spring retainer. In other examples, the optical terminal may beterminated to the optical fiber of a fiber optic cable after the opticalterminal has been loaded into a connector. In certain examples, anoptical terminal having a ferrule, a biasing spring and an insert atleast partially containing the spring are pre-assembled and loaded intoa connector as a unit.

FIGS. 28-31 show another optical and power connection system 532 inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure. Similar to thepreviously described connection system 332, the connection system 532includes a plug 534 that mates with a socket 536. The connection system532 can include the same type of electrical interface previouslydescribed with respect to the system 332. However, the connector system532 has been modified to include a different style of optical interfacethat utilizes multi fiber ferrules rather than single fiber ferrules.For example, as shown at FIG. 30, the plug 534 includes a generallyrectangular sleeve 535 that houses a rectangular multi-fiber ferrulethat supports a plurality of optical fibers aligned along at least onerow. The socket 536 defines a rectangular receptacle 537 that receivesthe rectangular sleeve of the plug 534 when the plug 534 and the socket536 are mated together. A corresponding multi-fiber ferrule can bemounted within the receptacle. When the socket 536 and the plug 534 aremated together, end faces of the multi-fiber ferrules oppose and abutone another with their corresponding optical fibers placed in co-axialalignment with one another such that optical transmissions can be madebetween the optical fibers of the aligned multi-fiber ferrules.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a hybrid connectionsystem including mating plugs and sockets having a mating geometry thatprovides optical and electrical connections without requiring anintermediate fiber optic adapter for providing optical fiber alignment.Thus, the hardened power and optical connection system has integratedfiber alignment provided through a mating relationship between the plugand the socket.

Various modifications and alterations of this disclosure may becomeapparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scopeand spirit of this disclosure, and it should be understood that thescope of this disclosure is not to be unduly limited to the illustrativeexamples set forth herein.

1-10. (canceled)
 11. A fiber termination module comprising: an insertbody for insertion within an opening of a connector body; a springcaptured within the insert body; a hub captured within the insert body;and a ferrule having a base end supported by the hub, wherein the springbiases the hub toward an end of the insert body, and wherein the ferruleproject outwardly from the end of the insert body.
 12. The fibertermination module of claim 11, wherein the insert body is mountedwithin an opening of a connector body.
 13. The fiber termination moduleof claim 11, wherein the insert body is cylindrical.
 14. The fibertermination module of claim 11, wherein the ferrule supports an opticalfiber having a stub end that is spliced to a hybrid cable.
 15. The fibertermination module of claim 14, wherein a splice location is housedwithin the insert body.
 16. The fiber termination module of claim 14,wherein a splice location is housed outside of the insert body.
 17. Thefiber termination module of claim 11, further comprising a boot mountedat a back end of the insert body.
 18. The fiber termination module ofclaim 11, wherein the insert body includes at least one exterior annulargroove.
 19. The fiber termination module of claim 11, wherein the fibertermination module is captured between a hardened optical and power plugand socket.
 20. The fiber termination module of claim 19, wherein thehardened optical and power plug includes a plug housing having a sleevethat receives the fiber termination module.
 21. A method for assemblinga connector having a fiber termination module, the fiber terminationmodule having an insert body carrying a spring biased ferrule, themethod comprising: pre-assembling the fiber termination module; andinserting the pre-assembled fiber termination module in a connectorbody.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the spring biased ferrule hasa base end supported at a hub captured within the insert body.
 23. Themethod of claim 22, wherein the hub has a chamfered front end thatengages against a corresponding retaining feature provided at a frontend of the insert body to prevent the hub from being pushed out of thefront end of the insert body.
 24. The method of claim 22, wherein aspring is positioned within the insert body for biasing the hub and thecorresponding spring biased ferrule in a forward direction.
 25. Themethod of claim 21, further comprising mounting the fiber terminationmodule within an opening of a connector body.
 26. The method of claim21, wherein the insert body is cylindrical.
 27. The method of claim 21,further comprising splicing a stub end of an optical fiber supported bythe spring biased ferrule to a hybrid cable.
 28. The method of claim 27,wherein a splice location is housed within the insert body.
 29. Themethod of claim 27, wherein a splice location is housed outside of theinsert body.
 30. The method of claim 21, further comprising providing aboot at a back end of the insert body.